Info needed on my "new" Vickers

Vlim · 07-29-2004, 08:49 AM

Hi,

The Siamese markings may have been placed there strategically to obscure an original Dutch inventory number.

As a large amount (some 80%) of the Dutch KNIL army were actually native folks, it's not so strange to find Dutch lugers in that area. Also, there have always been good ties between the Dutch and Siamese governments. During the early 20th century Dutch engineers undertook a number of water management projects in Thailand. Again, involvement of KNIL-staff is not unthinkable and my guess is that some people thought it wise to evade the new Indonesian government after 1949 and took their side-arms with them to Thailand, a country nearby that had good relationships with the Dutch.

Hugh:
It's interesting to check for traces of brass plate removal, either on the side or on the gripstrap. You're absolutely right about not restoring this piece. It's in a nice honest Dutch condition.

07-29-2004, 08:49 AM	#14
Vlim Moderator Lifetime LugerForum Patron Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Europe Posts: 5,053 Thanks: 1,036 Thanked 3,991 Times in 1,205 Posts	Hi, The Siamese markings may have been placed there strategically to obscure an original Dutch inventory number. As a large amount (some 80%) of the Dutch KNIL army were actually native folks, it's not so strange to find Dutch lugers in that area. Also, there have always been good ties between the Dutch and Siamese governments. During the early 20th century Dutch engineers undertook a number of water management projects in Thailand. Again, involvement of KNIL-staff is not unthinkable and my guess is that some people thought it wise to evade the new Indonesian government after 1949 and took their side-arms with them to Thailand, a country nearby that had good relationships with the Dutch. Hugh: It's interesting to check for traces of brass plate removal, either on the side or on the gripstrap. You're absolutely right about not restoring this piece. It's in a nice honest Dutch condition.